Physico-Chemical Parameters and Phytoplankton Community of Some Selected Fishponds in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The physico-chemical features and phytoplankton community of selected fishponds in Lagos State, Nigeria were studied between November 1998 and August 1999. pH of water in all the ponds ranged between 6.50 ± 0.24 and 7.90 ± 0.40, while dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature ranged from 2.40 ± 0.36 to 5.95 ± 1.31 mgl-1 and 27.3 ± 1.08 to 29.4 ± 0.970C respectively. Three families of phytoplankton were encountered. These were Bacilliariophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Chlorophyceae. The phytoplankton community was predominated by Cyanophyceae which constituted more than 40% of the total phytoplankton population. The predominant taxa were Spirulina sp., Lepocindis sp., Merimospedia sp., Anabena sp. and Coclastrum sp. Anabena sp. was present in all the farms and throughout the months. Phytoplankton were more abundant during the dry season than rainy season.


Key words: Physico-chemical parameters, Phytoplankton community, Fishponds


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.18(1) 2003: 53-58